myles

5 miles per gallon, or 5 miles per tank? You're running Chevron 87 AKI? Makes me wish there were Chevron stations near me. I do occasionally use their Techron concentrate.

Due to your high elevation, I belive your AKI's of 85, 87, and 91 are equivalent to AKI's of 87, 89, and 93, respectively, in the "lowlands". Therefore, 85 should suffice.

Since you've eliminated the plugs as the cause of the misfire, I'd check the wires and coil pack. 22 mi/gal seems a bit low. I average 25, and I have a "lead foot".

Be careful! There are two 2.5's: The Phase-I (DOHC, HLA's), and the Phase-II (SOHC, "roller rockers" acting directly on the valve stems). I'm sure there are other differences (MAF vs. MAP, etc.). Check the "Tech Articles" section of Cubb Tuning's wesite: http://cobbtuning.com/tech/index.html If memory serves, Subaru started using the Phase-II in the Impreza lineup (MY1999+) before cutting the Legacies over (MY2001+?).

Where do the factory tweeters mount? Near the mirrors?

I'd love to read more about your EJ22-powered bug. Do you have a web site?

I assume you're referring to the Phase-II EJ25, which, in the US, wasn't used in the Legacy 'til 2000 (or perhaps even 2001). It'll be obvious when looking at the engine's timing belt cover...the Phase-I (DOHC) will have two "dimples" in the parts of the timing cover that cover the camshaft pulleys, and the Phase-I (SOHC) will have one.

The Phase-I (DOHC) EJ25 uses hydraulic lash adjusters.

You can download entire FSM's at http://techinfo.subaru.com for about US$20

Have you modified or upgraded your intake and/or exhaust? Something as seemingly innocuous as a K & N filter will make the engine sound louder. Does your Mom's car have aftermarket undercoating/rustproofing? This can dampen vibrations (sound).

She's a beaut! How's she handle in the snow? Are those OEM wheels? They look like steelies with covers. Enjoy!

Just to clarify: Phase-I EJ25: Twin cams acting directly on HLA's (hydraulic lash adjusters). Phase-II EJ25: Single cams with "roller rockers" (rocker arms with a roller bearing on the cam end, the other end acts directly on the valve stem).

I was merely pointing out that heat sheilds are mainly _reflectors_, not insulators.

While the service manual would have you remove the transmission, it's probably faster to remove the engine.

Is the Purolator 14460 identical to the Subaru-branded filter?

I think you'll find that aluminum has _high_ thermal (and electrical) conductivity. Do you mean that it has a (relatively) high melting point?

Dave, I think a stiffer rear bar will get you where you want to be.

I don't think you're going to see much improvement from the usual intake/exhaust mods. If it were that easy, the cars would ship that way. These cars are already pretty well optimised. I think you'll need to change cams to see any significant gains. BTW, the EJ25's (both phase I and II) weren't built with forced induction in mind. You'd be better of sourcing an engine from a wrecked WRX